Power Lines

Amazing how quickly the weather changes in New England. The balmy spring-like days are behind us, and winter has bared her fangs again. It was zero degrees last night, and that does not take into account the wind-chill. Brrr! More of that expected for today.

Strong winds heralded the change in weather. Gusts were clocked at 60mph! At one point yesterday afternoon it got dark and scary looking outside with wildly failing trees. Susan called about 1pm to tell me that the huge tree in the neighbors yard had been toppled and had brought down the power lines, and there was no sign of work crews yet. Since I was to bring my nephew, Luke, over for the evening, she was giving me a heads up that we had no power - lights, heat, etc.

We checked out the fallen tree and the work crews and cops on the scene. Had to drive in the back way as the road was blocked. The crews asked us to move our cars around the corner to give them room to work. All the activity and flashing lights fascinated Luke.

We hung out, played with animals, read books and had snacks – our favorite activities. It started to get chilly upstairs, so Luke and I headed downstairs to continue playing by the gas fireplace while Susan got dinner started (fish tacos for us, and Mac ‘n Cheese for him). Rafiki was hunkered down in front of the fire – that cat sure is a smart one.

As the light faded, we lit candles, and used flashlights and reading lights to continue our play and to have dinner. I love the mood created. Give a child and flashlight and they can entertain themselves for hours. All to soon it was time to take Luke home, so we bundled up against the cold and set off. He was asleep as soon I got him home. Hung out and chatted with Sohan and Romana for a bit.

Came home to a dark street, and snuggled into our warm futon bed downstairs in front of the fire. Lovely. Power is now back – but it was a nice reminder of what we so often take for granted.